2 Women Killed In Route 28 Wrong-Way Crash

PITTSBURGH, Pa. (KDKA) — Two women have died after a multi-vehicle crash shut down part of Route 28 early Thursday morning.

The crash happened around 3:45 a.m. Two vehicles collided in the southbound lanes in the Troy Hill section of Pittsburgh. One car was pushed up against the barrier that divides the northbound and southbound lanes.

The crash involved a Kia and a Honda.

The drivers of the vehicles were identified as Clara Roberts, 24, of Indiana, Pa., and Sidney Cope, 24, of Coraopolis.

KDKA’s Lisa Washington Reports:

Both were taken to Allegheny General Hospital, where they later died.

“They were both transported to AGH in critical condition. The first victim was deceased shortly after 6 this morning, the second victim pronounced shortly after 8 this morning,” Pittsburgh Dept. of Public Safety Asst. PIO Emily Schaffer said.

Police believe the Kia, operated by Cope, was traveling on the wrong side of the road.

The crash closed both southbound lanes on Route 28. PennDOT said the 31st Street Bridge was also closed. All southbound traffic was detoured onto the 40th Street Bridge for a couple of hours. There was also a northbound lane restriction on Route 28 near the crash scene. The southbound lanes reopened around 6:20 a.m.

Vince Mercuri worked with Clara Roberts at a drug and alcohol treatment center in Indiana, Pa. He said she was a bright young lady who was about to start law school on a full scholarship.

“Her smile was radiant. Always smiling. Dependable. Willing to take on new tasks to represent us in the community,” Mercuri said. “When you think about the loss of the future. The loss of people, marriage, family, kids, career. Its just devastating.”